Stewardship & Outreach Activities

2018

Current Events
Downloadable Posters and Information

ENGRAVED BRICK PAVER FUNDRAISER

Dear Friend,
We are seeking your help on a project that we believe will change the lives of the people in Hagerstown, MD as well as give you a space to honor those you love and respect. New Light MCC is in an area of town where homeless walk the streets, and the marginalize stop by for comfort. Outside the doors to our church we have a food cabinet. Anyone can stop and take whatever we have to offer in food and clothes, and we know that is not enough. If you could sit and watch as people take what they need, it would touch your heart. Just recently one of our volunteers was stocking the cabinet and a lady stopped to talk. She explained that she was homeless at one time and how much she appreciated the food and clothes. She gave our volunteer a hug as she continued her way. This is the Gospel in action.
And we want to do more! Our goal is to renovate our kitchen to make it commercial with the possibility of adding showers and bathrooms for the homeless to use during the day. Our kitchen will be used to provide meals when they are not available at other locations. We will offer clothes and hygiene items for those in need. This is an ambitious project for a small church, however with your help, I believe we can accomplish remarkable things.
Our fundraiser is “Engraved Brick Paver”. Our hope is that you and or your organization will help us raise funds to help our local community. All monies collected will go to serve those in need in our community. In purchasing a brick and having it engraved, you can create a meaningful tribute to someone you love and respect as well as help those in need.
We chose 4” x 8” bricks which hold up to 20 spaces per line, 3 lines. You may either take your brick or you are welcome to have it installed in front of our church for all to see. The cost of the brick is $100.00. For an additional $25.00 you may purchase a tile which matches your brick as a memento. For those who wish their bricks to be installed on our building, they will be a reminder that as a community we are called to “Love Thy Neighbor.” These bricks will be a testament to the shared belief that Hagerstown, MD is a place open to diversity and love for all our neighbors.
If you wish to purchase a brick to help with our local community needs, we offer three ways. We would love to have you visit us on a Sunday for our 10:30 am service and directly speak with me. You may return the brick order form ( BRICK ORDER FORM ) and a check written to New Light MCC.
We appreciate your consideration in purchasing a brick. If you have any questions or need me for another reason, please feel free to call me at (717) 682-1873.

Live to Give,Reverend Deb CogginPastor, New Light Metropolitan Community Church

WOODEN ROSES MINISTRY FUNDRAISER

We have a selection of Wooden Roses available for those who wish to give that special gift for any occasion. They are life-like and come in an assortment of colors.
Come and see our selection. $2.00 per rose; $10.00 for bunch of 6; $15.00 for bunch of 12)
Email newlight.mcc.office@gmail.com with your name, quantity and colors* and total cost so we can prepare them for you.*COLORS: RED (Romance Red & White Red); ORANGE (Pumpkin and White Orange); YELLOW (Yellow Orange); GREEN (Green and White Light Green); BLUE (Dark Blue and Light Blue Dark Blue); PURPLE (Violet and White Violet); CINNAMON

2017

Christmas Extravaganza

Our 1st Christmas Extravaganza was a tremendous success. We helped give 120+ Head Start Children, Parents and families, a Christmas they will never forget. The kids got to meet Santa, have their photo taken with Santa, and receive gifts from Santa. They then got to make a craft photo frame to put their new photo in. They, and their families enjoyed a home-cooked meal. Then, the kids got to shop for FREE for gifts to give to their family members on Christmas. The gifts were then wrapped for them.

Trunk or Treat

Our 3rd Annual Truck Or Treat Event held on Hagerstown’s City-Wide Trick or Treat Night, Halloween, October 31, 2017, 6-8 PM.
Harry Brubaker III continued his outstanding contribution as chairperson of this event.

Our October 14, 2017 “An Evening with Kipyn Martin” was a success. Kipyn, again, graced our presence with her outstanding musical talents and her personality. We began our evening with a free Italian Potuck and then were serenaded by Kipyn.

“Cold Weather” Emergency Needs CabinetOur emergency pantry is a success. We asked people to take what they may need and if able to add items to the pantry.
Here is how you can help. We need the following items:Diapers, Wet Wipes, Feminine Hygiene items, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes, Canned Items, Cracker packs, Packaged food, Gloves, Hats, Socks ….We are putting items in this outside pantry to make life better for those in need. Thank you for your help.

2017 Pride Events

This year was a busy year for Prides in the area. New Light MCC was represented at Frederick Pride in Frederick, MD, Panhandle Pride in Shepherdstown, WV and Hagerstown Hopes Pride, in our home city of Hagerstown, MD. We’re looking forward to next year’s events where we will have the opportunity to expand to new places.

The Easter Bunny visited New Light MCC this year and made new friends. Bunny also visited Holly Place with helpers to distribute baskets to the residents and entertained them.

2 Lenten Challenges

Often during the season of Lent, we are encouraged to give up something like chocolate or soda, TV or screen time. I want to challenge us to give to something instead. Both of these challenges help people in need.

1st Challenge

Holly Place is an Assisted Living facility for those who need services but cannot afford a Commercial Living Facility and have no place to go. Located at 268 South Potomac Street here in Hagerstown. They count on local help to survive. Here is what we can do:

From now until Sunday, April 9th we will be collecting the items listed below to make 15 baskets for the men and women who call Holly Place home. Please Give:

2nd Challenge
Money for Life Changing Service

This solo cup is your bucket for our 2nd Lenten challenge. We ask you to challenge yourself and/or your family to make a financial sacrifice during this season of Lent. The goal is to Fill up this cup each week of Lent and bring it in and deposit in the big bucket near the altar.

Here are some suggestions: Perhaps give up going out to dinner one week and put the money in the cup or put in the cup what you use to buy a cup of coffee or fill it with all your change or come up with some other creative way to fill your cup. The key is for each of us to make a personal sacrifice and together we can produce a miracle amount for Life Changing Service. The money will be used to support outreach projects, Pride events, and social justice and other service projects in the community.

We welcomed our new pastor, Rev. Deb Coggin, with a Mardi Gras Party, March 4th, the evening before her installation by Rev. R. David Smith.

2016

We will be collecting gifts for 2 families from lists sent to us by social services.
Lists of needs are in our kitchen to sign up to provide gifts. Social Services will be picking up the gifts on Wednesday, December 21 so the deadline to bring in items is Sunday, December 18 so the Outreach Team has time to get things ready for them.

Lou Clingenpeel is head of our New Light Children Hats and Glove for Head Start children thru December 4th .
Please bring in your new children hat and gloves to help with this ministry.

We will be having an “open house” on Saturday, December 24, 2016 beginning at 5:00 PM before Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 PM. Members are encouraged to bring “finger food” for snacks.
A sign-up sheet will be in the kitchen area.

Our church family will be honoring our faithful co-transitional pastors that have ended their work here with a Dinner at “28 South” on Saturday, December 10 at 6pm on the upper balcony (seats 22).
If you like to join in, be there.

We will have our 2nd TRUNK OR TREAT event on Halloween night, Monday, October 31, 2016. 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Rain or Shine. Look for the Fire Truck.
See Harry Brubaker for more info.

Our Outreach Team has several events planned for this summer.

We will be participating in Western Maryland Hospital’s Yard Sale on Saturday, April 16, 2016.

A Picnic in the Park (Pangborn Park) is planned for Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Hamburgers, dogs (with rolls) will be provided. There will be a signup sheet for other items.

Pride Kickoff Potluck will take place after service on Sunday, June 5, 2016. Signup sheet in the kitchen.

We celebrated our 20th Anniversary as New Light MCC on Sunday, February 7, 2016 with our original founding pastor, The Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin. Afterwards we celebrated at The Gourmet Goat with a buffet luncheon, entertainment by Kipyn Martin, and a 50/50 and a Silent Auction. The 50/50 raised $245.00, and the Silent Auction raised $1200.00. Thanks to all who planned, participated and donated.

2015

We are collecting gifts for 3 families thru Social Services. Lists of needs are in our church kitchen where you can sign up to bring a gift. December 20 is our gift wrapping day.

We have begun our Annual Head Start Hats and Gloves Collection for children 5 and under. If you would like to donate hats and gloves please drop them off on Sundays between 10:30 AM thru 12:00 PM. Monetary donations will be accepted to to purchase them. Lou Clingenpeel is our coordinator for this collection. Collection ends Sunday, December 6, 2015.

Our Outreach Team and Volunteers will be serving dinner to the clientele of The Reach Shelter on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 @ 7:30 pm.

We have saved money on office supplies using this program. Bring in your used ink cartridges and toners and we will turn them into rewards at Staples.

Fundraiser Updates

Our “Change Fundraiser” raised $127.93 for ALS. Harley Sanders was challenged to chose our next charity to raise funds thru our “change” for our next quarter. As soon as Harley decides on the charity we will announce the charity.

Harley Sanders has chosen amfAR as our next charity to save our spare change for the next quarter. $113.00 was raised for amfAR.

Charlotte Ashton was chosen next and chose the Washington County SPCA. Soon afterwards Gayle Cooper challenged everyone that she would match donations up to $20.00.

A total, with matching funds, raised $270.21 for the SPCA.

$116.50 was raised for “Children in Need”.

Our current “Change Fundraiser” is for Stewardship Month. We are collecting for the church this quarter.

Our Annual “Yard Sale” takes place Saturday, October 10, 2015 beginning at 7:00 AM til 1:00 PM. All kinds of clothes, books, kitchen items, etc.. Currently we are accepting donated items. Items can be dropped by after Sunday services at social hour, or we can arrange a Wednesday drop off. There will be some “Free Items” on a “Free Table.” This benefits the Jubilee events. Pre-sales are available.

TREAT OR TREAT, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015

Visit us at our Pride Tent at the following Prides this summer: Frederick Pride, Saturday, June 27; Panhandle Pride, Saturday, July 11; and Harrisburg Pride, Saturday, July 25.

We’re “Off and Hopping” with our “Easter Basket Raffle!”

See Chairperson Charlotte, Rev. Sherry, Kathy, or David if you would like to buy raffles ($2 each, 3 for $5, or 7 for $10) or if you would like to help with this fundraiser. This fundraiser benefits the “Pastors’ Discretionary Fund,” which helps with needs in our own church community.

2014

On 9/14/14 we had our first Outreach Committee Meeting. As a group we came up with a lot of ideas on how to reach out to the LGBTQA community. Our core group of 6 will be meeting on a monthly basis. Our plan is to come up with events and activities or participate in existing activities to get ourselves out there as a Church. We likely will be reaching out to the congregation periodically as we may need some assistance with some of these endeavors. We will be keeping you informed…more to follow!

(Charlotte Ashton, Chairperson)

2014 MUMMERS’ PARADE OUTREACH

This year we sold “Cotton Candy” on the Parade Route. (We did not have a food booth in the church’s parking lot as previous years.) $98.00 was raised thru sales and donations for the Deacon’s Food Pantry.

The Second Sunday of each month is now our designated Food Pantry Donation Sunday. Bring your non-perishable donations to the church before or after service. Our first Donation Sunday event was very successful and we are continuing it each month.

HOLIDAYS are fast approaching. Help us make someone’s family holiday meal one to remember.

[The Food Pantry will accept food and monetary donations anytime.]

Our “Lose A Pound” for the Food Pantry has netted $134.00 so far.

$98.00 total was raised during our Cotton Candy sale at “28 South” for our Food Pantry during the 2014 Mummers Parade.

$226.00 total was raised at both locations, the Church parking lot, and ”28 South” for our Food Pantry during the 2013 Mummers Parade.

LEITERSBURG CINEMAS FREQUENT MOVIE CARD FUNDRAISER

April, May, June, 2015 = $9.00 for our Pastors’ Discretionary Fund. This is the last quarter for this fundraiser.

25 pairs of gloves and mittens, 10 hats, and 16 sets of hats and gloves/mittens were collected for the Head Start Martin Luther King Center in November 2014. Thanks to Lou Clingenpeel for heading up this ministry.

2013

114 Hats and Gloves, and 3 handmade knitted scarves, were collected for the Head Start Martin Luther King Center in November 2013.

$287.72 was earned from our 2013 Gardners Candy Fundraiser for our Food Pantry. Thanks to all who participated.

We received this (October 24, 2014) Thank You Letter from Habitat for Humanity:

“Dear Harry:

On behalf of all of us at Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, we sincerely thank you for the generosity you’ve shown our organization and the families we serve. As we strive to fulfill our mission: seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope, we are well aware that we do not walk this path alone. We are grateful you chose to partner with us.

Your donation of: ‘Teddybear Basket’ (featuring Teddybears by Paul Breakiron) for our 21st Annual Dinner Auction helps us in our quest to provide decent, affordable housing for our low-income partner families. The funds generated via our silent and live auctions during this event, our largest fundraiser, will go a long way in building hope, homes and communities. Through your generosity, our 21st Dinner Auction was a huge success, raising just over $50,000 toward Habitat’s mission!

We know we’ve been blessed by your generosity and for this, we thank you deeply. May God continue to bless you as you’ve blessed us.

Sincerely,

Sherry Cooper, Executive Director”

We received this (2013) Thank You Card from Head Start of Washington County, Inc.:

Thank you so much for your generous donation of hats, gloves, & scarves for Head Start Children. It warms my heart to know that our children will be warmer this weather because of your kindness. On behalf of the staff and management team at Head Start, please accept our greatest appreciation. May you all have a Blessed Christmas Season.

Sincerely,

Emily J. Hobby, Special Projects Manager”

We received this (2013) Thank You Letter and Cards from the Moms at Cameo House:

“Dear Friends:

Thank you for thinking of CAMEO House during this past holiday season and providing such wonderful gifts for our residents to enjoy. Your gracious display of charity has touched many lives, not only those of our residents but also the lives of their children and families. Your generosity is a reminder to us all of the true meaning of Christmas.

Please accept on behalf of the participants and staff, our sincere gratitude for your acts of kindness. May you be blessed with continued success in the coming year.